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5 Baby Sleep Myths That Do More Harm Than Good

Baby deedee Blog

5 Baby Sleep Myths That Do More Harm Than Good

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Nov 22 2017
Your baby’s safety is your number one priority, and that’s why at Baby deedee, we design bedding, as well as clothing and accessories, that keep your baby snug, comforted, and protected
When Should My Baby Stop Sleeping with a Pacifier?

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When Should My Baby Stop Sleeping with a Pacifier?

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Oct 30 2017
When it comes to a calming a fussy baby, sometimes the pacifier can seem like a magical thing. It can soothe and calm our babies down instantly. But sooner or later, it might be time to start considering ending the pacifier stage. Beyond a certain age, when your baby continues to sleep with a pacifier it can hinder their development by creating dental problems for them in the future as they continue to grow. To avoid this, read on to learn when your baby should stop sleeping with a pacifier and how to help wean them off it.   Start to Limit Use of a Pacifier at Age 2   The opinions surrounding the use of a pacifier will differ according to different experts. The general recommendation is that up until the age of two, your baby can use the pacifier as they like since they have an innate urge to suck. The sucking motion has been shown to help soothe them as a natural reflex when they feel distressed. But once they hit the age of two, it’s a good time to begin weaning them off their use and dependence of it. Whether it’s sucking on the pacifier, thumb, or both, it’s recommended to discourage these acts around this timeframe to allow them to develop the higher levels of stress management which usually begin to emerge around this age.   Eliminate Use of Pacifier at Age 4   By the age of four, it’s time to leave the pacifier behind. Hopefully, by this age the weaning off from age two will help make this transition as easy as possible. At this stage, pediatric dentists recommend having your child stop sleeping with a pacifier to avoid any associated dental problems in the future. This is also the average age that most kids are okay with letting go of their pacifier (with maybe a little more convincing if necessary).   How to Wean Them Off   Of course, every child will differ with what will work for them. But one of the more proven and effective methods for encouraging your child to wean off their pacifier is by focusing on how big they’re getting. Encourage the idea that your child is becoming a “big kid now” and how a part of getting older means saying goodbye to some of the little items, like their pacifier. Speak to them in a gentle yet firm tone and tell them that they’re “a big girl,” or “big boy now.”   Some families use the “Pacifier Fairy”. You can tell the child that when she is ready,  she can put all the pacifiers in a designated spot and Pacifier Fairy will take them to bring them to babies. The Paci Fairy will bring a present the child really wants in exchange. Baby deedee founder Dominique de Bourgknecht said “it cost me a box of magna tiles but that was the end of the pacifier for my son Mateo. He complained a bit the first night but then never looked back!”.
Creating a Soothing Nap Routine for Your Infant

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Creating a Soothing Nap Routine for Your Infant

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Oct 23 2017
Sleep is one of the most important factors for allowing your baby to grow up strong and healthy. But between their feeding cycles and frequent restless nights, it’s important to note that night-time is not the only moment when they gain their rest. As much as we’d love for their sleep cycle to be in total sync with ours, the fact is that whether it’s short interval naps or an extended snooze time they prefer, it’s important to follow some of your baby’s natural tendencies, such as this.  If you’re looking to create a soothing nap routine for your infant, here are some suggested methods to help them get the rest they need throughout the day. Encourage Nap Time With a Soothing Environment   Babies need to have a soothing and comfortable environment to get that sound sleep. That means dimming the lights, pulling the blinds, reducing noise and having a cozy place for them to nap. It’s also important to take note of the temperature in the room that they’re napping in – this can greatly impact their comfort and sleep. Experts recommend aiming to have the temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.   Keep a Designated Napping Spot   Whether it’s in their room, or in another area of your home, try to keep nap time in one place. This allows them to get used to all of the elements that they will learn to associate with sleeping time.   Be Consistent With the Routine   Creating a soothing nap routine for your infant requires consistency in both the napping location and the schedule. Keeping a routine allows babies to fall easier into that pattern sleep. This can help make it much easier to get them to sleep and to stay asleep.   Create Rituals   Consistency in small rituals or actions before nap time can also be helpful for encouraging them to sleep. This can involve a cuddle and rocking motion, or any other rituals you enjoy that won’t stimulate or excite your baby.   Use White Noise or Music   If you’re concerned about noise throughout the day when your baby settles down to rest, using white noise can help to drown out any potential sounds that could waken them. Alternatively, soothing music can also be very effective at minimizing the effect of other ambient, loud sounds. Developing nap routines for your baby is important as they grow. You can encourage nap time throughout the day by incorporating these steps to help give your baby that peaceful, restful sleep they need.
Baby sleeping in crib at night

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Keep Baby Cool and Comforted at the Same Time

by Bold Support on Jul 31 2017
A regulated body temperature is key to a snoozy night’s sleep, but trying to keep your baby covered during the night can be challenging. Newborns, babies, and toddlers like to move around a lot as they sleep, but you can have some success in keeping them cool, comfortable, warm and cozy if you dress them in a snuggly baby sleep bag. One baby sleeping bag that is specially designed for keeping temperature stabilized for babies is baby deedee’s Sleep Nest Lite brand sleep bag. It’s not only soft and snug but has plenty of benefits for your baby’s health as well. Here we look at how you can keep your baby cool and comforted at the same time with the Sleep Nest Lite. Lightweight & Soft Materials Your baby’s skin is so delicate. To ensure your baby doesn’t experience irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes, you need to buy sleepwear with comfortable and lightweight materials. That’s why the Sleep Nest Lite is made of lightweight double layered soft Indian jersey cotton. Cotton is the perfect choice for your baby as it’s the ultimate soft material. A natural fiber, it won’t rub harshly against your baby’s skin, permits better aeration to keep your baby cool, is non-allergenic, incredibly durable, and can be washed easily. Keeps Baby Snug This lightweight cotton jersey is shaped just like a cozy cocoon and is designed specifically for infants and toddlers. It’s just like a sleeping bag for babies and is worn right over top of their regular sleepwear to keep them cozy and snug. With the Sleep Nest Lite you no longer have to spend money on blankets and sheets that your baby tends to pull off in the middle of the night. Comfort for Any Temperature To ensure your baby stays comfortable, you need to keep them at the right temperature no matter the temperature or season. Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as kids and adults. Because they have more surface area by weight and not as much insulating fat, they lose heat quicker. So, the Sleep Nest Lite is the perfect addition to their wardrobe, as it can be used year-round in any temperature - keeping your baby warm in air-conditioned spaces through the summer. Designed to Make Your Life Easier The Sleep Nest Lite comes with unique shoulder snaps that make it incredibly easy for you to place your baby into the wearable sleep bag. You will no longer need to worry about struggling to get your baby into the slumber sack even when they’re asleep. When looking to maintain your baby’s comfort all night long a snuggly sleep bag from baby deedee is the answer. Shop now!
Child sleeping in bed

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How Screen Time Affects Sleep Quality

by Bold Support on Jul 24 2017
In this day and age, it’s hard not to take advantage of the many benefits of technology. When it comes to settling the kids or keeping them busy so that you can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself, those devices that grab their attention in an instant seem like a blessing. But too much screen time is not without drawbacks, especially as we begin to rely on it more excessively. In fact, sleep specialists are starting to see a noticeable connection between increased screen time – whether it’s the computer, iPad, smartphone, or TV – and poor quality of sleep. To learn more about how screen time affects sleep quality for your children, read on. Excessive Use of Electronics Ask any parent these days and they’ll tell you that some form of electronic device is an important part of their parenting arsenal. These devices have become so helpful in calming the kids and keeping them distracted that they’ve become almost too much of a crutch. The use of technology and screen time has become so widespread that studies are showing how this increased exposure to screens is impacting the quality of sleep for both adults and children. Studies have shown in particular that excessive screen time leads to shortened sleep duration and a delay in the timing of sleep.  With the almost addictive nature of electronic use, it’s cutting into the duration available to get that full amount of rest we all need. Bright Lights Stimulate Brain & Disrupt Circadian Rhythm In addition, there are more severe impacts than merely cutting into bedtime. The constant long exposure to bright light emitted from the screen suppresses the release of melatonin, which is largely responsible for maintaining our circadian sleep rhythm. This in combination with the content being viewed stimulates the brain enough to release adrenaline. Once this hormone is activated, it makes it hard to get to sleep. If you keep electronic devices in your child’s bedroom, these can also disrupt sleep. It’s not unusual for an iPad screen to turn on with no prompting in the middle of the night, or for a smartphone to buzz with an alert. This interruption can cause your child to wake up and struggle to fall back to sleep. Limit Screen Time to Improve Sleep Understandably, screen time before bed has the biggest noticeable impact on the quality of your children’s sleep. Sleep needs to remain as a priority and establishing healthy habits early is essential. This is why Department of Health guidelines recommend creating limits for children under 13 years of age to two hours of screen time per day and children under 5 with less than one hour per day, avoiding usage at least three hours before bedtime. Also keep screens out of the bedroom to prevent unwanted interruptions or distractions throughout the night. With the widespread use and growing dependence on electronic devices, problems associated with excessive screen time are only bound to get worse. But by creating limitations for your children now, they can hopefully develop better habits that don’t allow technology to take precedence over their wellbeing and quality of sleep.
Baby surrounded by food

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Fun Summer Snack Ideas for Babies

by Bold Support on Jul 17 2017
Summer is finally here and that means you’ve got plenty of quality family time to spend with the kids. Whether it’s road trips or family outings at the park, you always need to have some snacks on hand to satisfy your little one. And with so many fruits and veggies that are ripe and in season, there are many healthy snacks that you can whip up for your baby in no time. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few fun summer snacks for babies that you can try out this season.   PUREES Making a puree out of fresh fruit and veggies is one of the easiest snacks you can make for your baby. And best of all, it takes little time and effort. Kiwi Apple Zucchini Puree In a blender, combined two cored apples, three kiwis (leave the skin on to enjoy triple fiber), and three zucchini. The sweet flavor of the kiwi hides the taste of zucchini, so even the pickiest eater will lap this up. This puree is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and dietary fiber. Recipe Source: Simply Whisked Blueberry Apple Spinach Puree Combine two chopped apples, one cup of organic blueberries, and ¼ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least ten minutes to soften the fruit and meld the flavors. Remove from heat, add a handful of fresh spinach, and blend until smooth. The extra healthy twist on apple sauce is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Recipe Source: Baby Foodie Soft Banana Toast This recipe is perfect as a snack or breakfast that’s a soft finger food and will get them into trying slightly different textures. Keep in mind that this snack is meant to be very soft, so don’t expect it to be firm like actual toast. What you need: 1 piece of bread, sliced into “fingers” 1 ripe banana 60 ml of milk Dash of cinnamon What to do: Mash or blend banana, milk and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth. Then heat a pan over medium heat. Dip the bread into the banana mixture and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on each side. Let them cool before serving. Recipe Source: One Handed Cooks   PUREE POPCICLES Nothing captures summer quite like a cool, refreshing popsicle. You can get really creative with different flavors and ingredients to satiate your teething baby. Carrot Mango & Raspberry Pops You’ll need two cooked carrots, the flesh of one ripe mango, and a handful of raspberries. You can adjust the amounts depending on taste preference. The carrots work well to balance out the sweet tartness of the fruit. Just blend together, pour into your popsicle tray and freeze. Recipe Source: Miedema Produce Watermelon Pops Watermelon is one of the best snacks to serve to your infant in the summer time. And beyond slicing it, you can throw some in a blender and freeze as well to have some cool pops to serve on those hot and humid summer days. The summer months are perfect for taking advantage of those fresh flavors while keeping your baby happy and cool. If you’re looing for ideas, try out these easy summer snacks that your baby will love during the summer time.
Baby girl playing outside on the grass

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Why Outdoor Play Is Important for All Ages

by Bold Support on Jul 10 2017
It may seem obvious but sometimes we are so overtired that we forget how important it is to get outside with our children. Apart from the first few weeks where some pediatricians recommend limiting exposure to germs before the first immunizations, adults and babies alike really need that outdoor time. Outdoor play promotes wholesome development, both physically and cognitively for everyone – especially infants. That’s why outdoor play is important for all ages. Taking your toddler out to explore the outdoors also helps their development of fine motor skills, coordination, and flexibility. Read on to learn more about why time spent playing outdoors is important for your children. Critical For Cognitive Development For many parents, the idea of taking their baby outdoors can be a nerve-wracking idea, with the fear that their little one might get injured or sick.  But those first years are when your child is soaking up every sound and sensation around them. They process new textures, sounds, scents, and sights. The first three years of development are when brain synapses form at a rapid rate, which are shaped from your baby’s sensory experiences around them. This is why outdoor play is most important for their cognitive development. The stimulation from the outdoor environment helps them learn and grow. Encourages Basic Motor Movements In addition to cognitive development, the prenatal stage up until the age of five is when the brain acquires a foundation for basic motor skills. Being outside gives them interesting experiences and stimulation to look at. Crawling around in the grass, playing with different materials and having things to pull themselves up are all important in helping them develop those muscles and coordination for movement. Enjoy Fresh Air and Natural Environment Taking your infant outdoors helps them foster pleasant feelings towards play and builds appreciation for the natural environment as they continue to grow. Of course, being in the fresh air is also important and beneficial to their health and well-being. But adopting feelings of care and respect towards their environment and nature is something that often stays with them as they continue to grow into their adulthood years later on. Interaction and Expression When kids are outdoors, they’re able to run around, get messy, jump, shout and express themselves without being as limited by their indoor environment.  They get the freedom to enjoy self-expression, while also interacting with other infants and people. This can help them foster good social skills and confidence also as they continue to grow. Sleep Right, Play Right The energy to play and explore outdoors starts with a good night’s rest. Help your baby have a better night sleep this summer with Sleep Nest Lite brand sleep bag, short-sleeve footless cotton romper pajamas, and breathable cotton bedding sets. Taking your infant outdoors to play doesn’t have to be a scary experience. No matter the age, we all greatly benefit from being outdoors. And during those first initial years of life, it’s more important than ever for virtually every aspect of both physical and cognitive development. So this summer, make time to get outdoors with the family and enjoy the fresh air!
Tips for Babyproofing Your Home

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Tips for Babyproofing Your Home

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Jul 03 2017
Preparing your home for your new bundle of joy is a time filled with excitement. Decorating the nursery, selecting your stroller and cute new outfits are usually on everyone’s mind...
Sleep Training Your Baby – Without the Tears!

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Sleep Training Your Baby – Without the Tears!

by Bold Support on Jun 26 2017
Cry it out? No-cry sleep training? Baby deedee founder and mother of three offers a personal approach to what worked for her.
Happy baby eating food in a high chair

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Baby’s First Foods

by Bold Support on May 29 2017
Being a first-time mom can be challenging, especially when it comes to figuring out what to feed your baby and when to start them on solids. There are many signs to look for to indicate if your baby is ready to eat, and there are lots of great food options that are safe and nutritious for them. That’s why we’ve put together this quick information sheet to help you out with starting your baby on the right foods first. When to first introduce solids Experts believe that the best time to introduce your baby to solid foods is in the first four to six months. The timing will depend on a few different factors with their overall development, including if your baby has the coordination to chew and swallow, if they’ve mastered tongue movement, and can hold their head up on their own. Another tell-tale sign is if they have started to show interest in your foods and have reached out to try and grab items during your meals. The best starter foods You will want to start with mashed and soft foods. Small amounts of mashed cooked meats, beans, tender cooked vegetables, cut up bananas, grated cheeses, cooked egg, mushy cereal, and soft deboned fish are excellent starter foods. The goal is to introduce iron-rich foods into their diet that are easy for them to self-feed. Also, don’t be afraid to introduce flavorful foods into their diet, it will help them to accept different types of foods further down the road. The foods to avoid Avoid any foods that are hard, long, and sticky. Things like peanut butter, honey, popcorn, whole nuts, long uncooked vegetables, and full-sized hot dogs are bad to start with. These foods can become an easy choking hazard. Introduce allergenic foods Contrary to what you believe, introducing peanuts and other typical allergenic foods may help to prevent a risk of developing these allergies further on. Of course, if you notice any hives, breathing issues, or rashes, make sure to take your baby to the hospital right away. Gagging is normal Gagging is actually a natural reflex for your baby. It teaches them how to move food around in their mouth and how to not choke on the food. Begin a daily schedule Start scheduling feeding times at the same time every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. This will help your baby learn to eat at specific times of the day, which will be easier for you as they age.   It’s going to be messy It will take time for your baby to master eating so it’s going to be pretty messy for the first while. Plus, they will make all kinds of funny faces as they experience new tastes and textures. This is all completely normal and is all part of the parenting fun. Parenthood can be scary at times, but it’s also exciting - especially when it comes to feeding your baby for the first few times. And starting them on solids may take a little time to master but it will ensure proper development for your baby. Follow these tips and you will be able to start off on the right foot!
Why Is My Baby Crying?

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Why Is My Baby Crying?

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on May 18 2017
One of the most frustrating issues when parenting a small baby is not being able to figure out why your baby is crying. Parents feel helpless and exhausted as they are not able to fix their baby’s problem.
Pregnant woman in nature

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7 Tips for a Smooth Summer Pregnancy

by Bold Support on May 15 2017
You don’t have to be worried about suffering through the summer heat when you’re pregnant. There are plenty of ways to keep cool and have a smooth summer pregnancy. With a little preparation and these seven simple tips, you will be able to enjoy venturing outside and getting the most out of your maternity months.    Light and Loose Sleepwear Getting a good night’s sleep is so important during pregnancy, but the humid summer heat makes it an added challenge to rest and recharge at night. Loose sleepwear made of lightweight, breathable cotton can help expectant mothers have a comfortable, re-energizing sleep no matter the temperature outside. Once the baby arrives, a Sleep Nest Lite brand summer sleep bag does just the trick for a cozy and restful night.     Adjustable Sandals To combat ankle swelling that often comes with pregnancy, wear sandals that will allow you to adjust the straps. Just make sure they have adequate ankle support and decent treads to optimize your comfort and safety.   Avoid Intense Peak Hours Try to plan your day around those peak hours of the day when the sun is most intense.  You can head outside during the cooler morning and evenings to avoid that exhausting humidity.   Hydrate Often Dehydration is dangerous when you are pregnant. So, make sure to always carry a bottle of water and even a spritzer of water to give you a dose of hydration throughout those hot and humid days.   Pack Fruit Drinks Nutrient-rich fruit smoothies or low-sugar fruit drinks are also handy to help you keep up your energy levels throughout the day.   Moisturize Often Some women are susceptible to dry, itchy and stretched skin during pregnancy. Ensure you apply a moisturizer throughout the summer months to help relieve any irritated skin. Better yet, use a combined moisturizer with SPF when traveling around through the summer months to also help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.   Take a Swim Taking a refreshing swim in a pool can help cool you down and take some weight off your legs. It’s also an excellent way to squeeze in some light and enjoyable exercise by yourself or with some friends. Many women dread the idea of being pregnant during the summer months - especially in locations where the heat and humidity can be overwhelming. But getting that fresh summer air is beneficial, along with that dose of Vitamin D. By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you can learn to enjoy your summer pregnancy and embrace those summer months before the baby arrives.
Coping with Children’s Separation Anxiety: Tips From a Fellow Parent

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Coping with Children’s Separation Anxiety: Tips From a Fellow Parent

by Bold Support on May 04 2017
Separation anxiety can occur at many stages throughout your child’s early years when your child is adjusting to spending time away from you...
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Baby Name

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Tips for Choosing the Perfect Baby Name

by Bold Support on Apr 20 2017
If you think preparing for a baby is difficult, just wait until it comes time to choose a name for the little bundle of joy!
Strategies for Dealing with a Public Toddler Meltdown

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Strategies for Dealing with a Public Toddler Meltdown

by Brock Murray on Feb 07 2017
We’ve all seen the public toddler meltdown, sympathizing with the tired parents trying to calm their children as they are crying their hearts out in the middle of Aisle 4.
Breastfeeding Tips: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

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Breastfeeding Tips: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

by Brock Murray on Jan 31 2017
Breastfeeding your child can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. However, it can also be frustrating for parents if your newborn is being fussy and having trouble latching.
Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

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Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

by Bold Support on Jan 18 2017
Sleep is not always the easiest thing for babies. Some babies have a very difficult time falling asleep while others are happy falling asleep in their crib from day one.
Fun Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

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Fun Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

by Brock Murray on Dec 19 2016
The holiday season is finally upon us! As children grow, they become more aware of the holiday season and everything that comes along with it.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Baby and Toddlers

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Baby and Toddlers

by Bold Support on Dec 08 2016
Buying presents for babies and toddlers can be such a fun experience – there are so many options and the joy that you see on that little one’s face as they open their gifts makes everything worth it.
Sleeping Tips for Baby: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

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Sleeping Tips for Baby: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

by Bold Support on Dec 01 2016
Bedtime can be both an exciting and dreaded time for parents with babies and young children. While the prospect of bedtime means that parents will finally have at least a few hours of quiet time...